Two candidates, one office: the race for New Llano’s next mayor

NEW LLANO, La. (KALB) - Two candidates in the May 16 election are vying to lead New Llano, each offering voters a different vision for the town’s future.

Carolyn Todd made history in 1990 when she became the first Black person elected to the New Llano City Council and again in 2020 when she became town’s first Black woman mayor. Now, she’s hoping more than 30 years of public service will help carry her to victory.

“I love New Llano. I am New Llano proud,” Todd said.

Todd is reflecting on her time in office, including leading the town through the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

“It was torn up. So, I decided that I’m going to get out there and bring this community back together,” Todd said.

Todd said she did that by hitting the streets, checking in on residents, and seeing what they needed most.

“I put boots on the ground, and I got after it,” she said.

Financial status and infrastructure

She also points to the town’s current financial status.

“The town of New Llano is debt-free, with the exception of two water wells that came on board in 2017,” Todd said.

Those are expected to be paid off between 2035 and 2036.

Todd also highlights major infrastructure projects, including a $3.1 million sewer project, a $300,000 drainage project, and new streets. All were completed with grant funding.

“We just picked it up and ran with what, I mean, God was so good to us, Jay. That’s where it came from,” she said.

If re-elected, Todd said she wants to keep building. Her plans include adding a gazebo and expanding parking at Town Hall, growing the fire department, fixing more roads, and adding playground equipment for kids.

“My mind is like a wheel that turns all the time. To see, well, what about this? What about that?” Todd said.

She’s also open to hearing directly from residents, saying her door is always open.

“If you have an issue and you don’t tell us, there’s no way we can start to fix that issue,” she said.

Todd leaves voters with this message: “I love New Llano, and I will fight hard for New Llano. I want to be an encouragement to New Llano. I want to be the one that sit up on this hill that we sit on as a light and salt to the community. Adding flavor. And everybody is included. I am a, we the people type mayor.”

Challenger enters the race

New Llano businessman Mack Patel wants to be the town’s next mayor.

Patel has called New Llano home for nearly two decades.

“To help my community,” Patel said when asked why he wants to be mayor.

He said if elected, his first priority is getting up to speed on how the town operates.

“As a normal citizen, we’re not shared with a lot of inside information. So first, be aware, analyze, and then come up with a game plan,” Patel said.

Part of that game plan is to add more street lighting, fix roads, and improve safety. He said he’ll seek both state and federal funds to accomplish that goal.

“We can tap into those grants and, of course, savings from the town wherever we can save a little bit here and there,” he said.

Patel is a businessman with no political experience but believes his background could be an advantage.

“If I can manage multi-million dollar businesses, I can easily manage the city budget. And I can bring that experience to run as our own money and protect the citizens’ money, and how we can grow from that money,” Patel said.

He’s also encouraging New Llano residents to stop by his two hotels in the area.

“I’ll be ready to meet them and answer or clarify any questions, confusions about me, or listen to their ideas or listen to them if anybody has any kind of concerns, complaints, ideas, so that I can include that in my plan when I get in the seat,” he said.

Patel closes with a simple message to voters: “Give me a try. The experience and knowledge that I can bring to better the community and town with fresh ideas. And like I said, whatever connections I have. So give me a try. Give me a shot. I’ll work hard for your community.”

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